“A list of three,” he answers, and I swallow.Could I finally have a family?
“I can definitely live with that. And actually, I think ripping people’s hearts out is pretty cool,” I jest, feeling slightly awkward at his confession.
“Maybe I can show you sometime?” he offers, and it’s the first time I feel truly seen.
“I’d love to! I also want to explore Hell more, get a feel for the place.”
“I’d like to wait until you’re more settled and have more time training with Toth if you don’t mind.”
“Are you sure Toth should be the one training me?” I ask. It’s the perfect opportunity to torture the demon and make him want me even more.
“Yes. He and Lilith are the only people I’d trust with something so important.”
“I’m sure I could learn something from both of them. I want to live in my own body with a sound mind and never let someone take advantage of me ever again.” I mean it; I’m still not sure if everything Beelzebub said was a lie, but I know I will be no one’s weapon.
I’m my own weapon.
“No one will ever second guess the Princess of Hell ever again,” he promises me, his eyes turning a soft shade of pink.
It’s at that moment that the tide sways, and I know exactly where my loyalties lie.Mostly.
* * *
It’s training day.Finally.
Now, I could live my life as the happiest demon sitting in bed and watching Dance Mums, but the only thing better than that is torturing Toth with sexual innuendos and letting him know that I’m stronger than him.
I’ve decided to break him, for no other reason than the fact that I can.
“Lilith said we don’t need to cover portalling,” he states as I walk into the room, which is pretty simple. It reminds me of the rec room at the orphanage. A simple blue mat in the middle, but this room has targets and weapons lining the walls, which is significantly more fun.
“Nope. Don’t start with the easy stuff, either. I have been tormenting people on Earth for nearly ten years as a demon, you know.”
“I don’t doubt it,” he mutters.
“That I was tormenting people?” I smile. “I love that you aren’t threatened by a powerful woman, Toth. There’s so much toxic masculinity in the mortal realm.”
He groans and shakes his head. “Daggers or swords?” he asks, completely ignoring my compliment.
Well, isn’t that just completely inconsiderate.
Instead of chastising him, I grab the set of five daggers and toss them at the target on the opposite wall. Each one lands perfectly in the center of the target. He places his hands on his hips and looks at me like I’m a marvel. The look he gives me is acceptable, and I decide that I forgive him for being a dick earlier.
“Daggers aren’t going to be a problem,” I deadpan.
“And hand-to-hand combat?” he asks.
“Hmm, I’m not sure. We should practice. But you know, it’s pretty hot in here.” I grab the hem of my shirt, slowly dragging it over my torso and over my head. Toth’s eyes immediately lock on my chest. The only thing preventing me from being completely naked is a black sports bra. “Aren’t you hot?” I ask while I pull my hair up into a ponytail.
He clears his throat and grunts before turning away from me. He’s wearing a black t-shirt that clings to his back and arms perfectly, along with loose black pants that don’t show off his ass.I haven’t had a good enough look at it yet.
“Have you been in many fights?” he asks me.
“Only in the human forms I possessed on Earth. Lost a few good meat suits pushing their bodies to the limit.”
“Now that you’re fully corporeal, your strength will be nearly unmatchable. You’ll heal from nearly all wounds except for those made by magical blades.”
Annoyed, I cross one arm over my chest while picking at the nails of my opposite hand.I’m fresh in Hell, not a complete idiot,I want to yell.“I’m well aware of magical weapons, thank you,” I snark with a tilt of my head and a forced smile.
